The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has raised concern over a worrying surge in maternal deaths, which have surpassed the national target of 125 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Speaking at the 2025 Mid-Year Performance Review Meeting in Kumasi, the Regional Health Director, Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, revealed that 232 maternal deaths were recorded in just the first half of 2025.
This marks a sharp rise compared to 144 deaths in 2023 and 158 in 2024. He attributed the increase to uncoordinated referrals and inadequate capacity at peripheral health facilities.
Dr. Adomako-Boateng called for urgent systemic interventions to tackle the challenge. He stressed that without a functional gatekeeper system, effective referral filters, and well-resourced CHPS compounds and health centres, achieving quality coverage under the PHC by 2030 would remain elusive.
He further emphasised the need for stakeholders to collectively embrace this system, provide support in areas such as accommodation, security, and equipment, and ensure accountability among health officials.
“Without support from stakeholders, collectively supporting this gatekeeper system, supporting us with accommodation, security, equipment and holding us accountable, this cannot be done,” he said.
